Smoking the Warped Serie Gran Reserva 1988 (GR88) is an almost ethereal experience but this review will do our best to break down the experience for all. Spoiler alert: just like the name of the cigar suggests, it’s GR8 (great)!

Created to commemorate Kyle Gellis 30th birthday, the Warped Serie Gran Reserva 1988 (GR88) is a 5 1/4 x 50 Robusto. It is rolled at the Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) factory in Estelí, Nicaragua and is a Nicaraguan puro consisting of 100% Aganorsa tobacco. The blend is composed of a wrapper made from Nicaraguan Corojo 99, a binder of Nicaraguan tobaccos and premium long filler consisting of Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 from the Jalapa Valley and Criollo 98.

First Third: I’ve smoked tons of these cigars already but every time I light one up I still get excited. The thinly veined Connecticut natural wrapper is shiny and flawless with just enough oil to promise a great experience. The dry draw is a pleasant mix of hay and leather and the first few puffs deliver plenty of smoke.

Second Third: A sure sign of a great stick, I almost forget to take pictures of the smoke as I go because I was so wrapped up in enjoying. The Gr88 is medium in strength and body – but full of nuanced flavors. Flavors ranged from grassy to earthy, with notes of dark coffee, bread (sourdough perhaps), and white pepper.

Final Third: Kyle has his hands full with the cigar business along with his other ventures into coffee and wine but quality on the sticks hasn’t suffered. In the last third other notes of bitter dark chocolate, espresso beans, cream, and leather gently come through.

After each one of the GR88, my enthusiasm for Warped and what they are bringing to the industry is renewed. I tell everyone who would enjoy the flavor palate and medium strength about this stick and they thank me afterward each time. Buy yourself a box now, and you too can thank me later.